Kevin MacDonald is heading a five-man shortlist for Aston Villa manager's job after an interview in the Aston Villa Hospitality section. The other contenders all possess greater Premier League experience but, after 15 years working in various coaching capacities at Villa Park, MacDonald boasts some significant supporters inside the club, including key players.

Aston Villa are in talks with Tottenham over the sale of striker Robbie Keane. O'Neill is apparently being urged to step up his pursuit of the Republic of Ireland star by defender Richard Dunne, a team-mate of Keane's at international level.

However, Aston Villa could face competition for the Irishman as Celtic are also believed to be pursuing Keane. The Bhoys, for whom he scored 16 goals last season while on loan from Spurs, are reportedly keen to sign him on another loan deal at Parkhead.

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has called upon the club to make further investment in the playing side and will meet with owner Randy Lerner next week where both parties will discuss the season gone by and potential changes for next term.

O'Neill has taken Villa to this season's League Cup final and FA Cup semi-final and although he has failed to produce any silverware this campaign, he believes he deserves more time to achieve greater success at the Birmingham-based side.